Sacred Evil

March 21, 2003, 0100 GMT - the moment of the Vernal Equinox.

War is such a sacred evil,
with fascination and obsession.
Fatal attraction for dreamy boys,
hidden genius of rich old men.

An altar for the common person
to approach and lay their children down
Jesus-like, the sweetest gift.
“Go out and die”, a mother whispers
into that ear she knows so well.

Most who go forth will come back,
but they’ll all return
a little dead.

And now people gather as if to pray,
mentally kneeling before their screen.
“This Just In!” like a word from God,
Listen! - “Bang! Bang!”
Sirens scream - shots ring out - screen goes black!
“And now!
- a word from our sponsor.”

© John Womack, 2006, All Rights Reserved.